Given Greece’s long and rich history, it is not an uncommon occurrence to happen upon ancient relics during construction across the country’s cities and villages. The latest find has been unearthed in Thessaloniki at the site of the city’s metro station, where during an excavation archaeologists discovered a headless statue of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Chairman of Attiko Metro SA, Yannis Mylopoulos took to Facebook to announce the discovery, posting a picture of the statue, which was found near a fountain complex at the Aghia Sofia station.

In his post, Mr Mylopoulos claimed the statue was one of 300,000 antiquities to have been found during excavations at the metro site.

Earlier findings at the site have included well-preserved multi-coloured floor mosaics dating back to the 4th century AD, found at the southern entrance of the station. According to reports, archaeologists believe the mosaics belong to a large public building complex or urban villas, and that they are typical geometric decorations adorning the floor of the west portico gallery.

Also saved were wall ruins and part of a bath in the complex, which is believed to have been used right up until the 5th century before being ruined with the construction of the marble-line square on top of the complex.

Mr Mylopoulos assured that the discovery of the antiquities was not perceived as an obstacle in constructing the metro, but rather seen to be part of the project as a whole.

“The findings will be evaluated by a special committee of the Ministry of Culture, in which we also participate to find the best way to exhibit them,” he said.